Apple trees - Plants - gardenersworld.com

minty

15/11/2012 at 15:52

Please can someone advise on staking young apple trees,height four to five feet. I did read somewhere that apple trees of this height shouldn't need staking. thank you, Minty.

Alina W

15/11/2012 at 17:54

It depends entirely on their position. If it is windy and exposed and you want a straight tree, you need to stake them.

minty

15/11/2012 at 18:00

thank you Alina, we are high up but it is a small paddock with Devon hedges all around

trillium2cv

15/11/2012 at 18:27

We get a lot of swirling winds and bent plants in a very sheltered garden. Unless you are certain you don't, stake it. A stake and strap is cheaper than your tree.

daytona675

15/11/2012 at 18:50

swirly winds, exposed, 4-5 fooyt trees - stake until established I reckon! 45 degree stake against prevailing wind.....

But from personal experience, to avoid bark damage and subsequent canker problems, use a soft wrap between the stake/tie/tree

Welshonion

16/11/2012 at 00:58

What it really depends on is the rootstock. Some rootstocks have to be staked forever; some can dispense with a stake after some years. Look on the RHS site.

minty

16/11/2012 at 07:02

Thanks for all your reply's, I didn't know the rootstocks made a difference.The lady where I am buying them seemed quite horrified when I asked if stakes were really neccesary, and said yes.I think she said they would be on semi dwarf rootstock with an eventual height of ten to twelve feet.
I will have a look on the RHS site.

Welshonion

16/11/2012 at 14:19

Funnily enough it isn't the prevailing wind that does the damage. Trees do get used to the normal direction. But if a gale comes from a different quarter - that does the damage. But, yes, if in doubt, stake and replace the stake if it rots.

beryl

16/11/2012 at 16:11

I am about to plant dwarf apple trees in containers and will definitely be staking!
Good Luck Minty.

minty

16/11/2012 at 17:18

Thanks Berl,
Good luck with your trees.

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